Woolley, David B.
David Bronson Woolley of Old Lyme passed away peacefully on January 30, 2021. He was born July 12, 1933 to the late Harry and Doris (Woodruff) Woolley of Longmeadow, MA. David was a devoted father to this son and daughter-inlaw Michael and Patricia Woolley of Redondo Beach, CA and his two grandchildren Katherine and Alexander. He was the dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of Patricia and Michael Cronin of Old Saybrook, his nieces Jane (Steven) Murphy of Mystic, Martha (Richard) Turner of Stonington, and their children Daniel and Jill Murphy, Lauren and Justin Turner. He also leaves his beloved friend and companion of 26 years Beverly Curry of Farmington and Old Lyme. He is also survived by his stepchildren Cecil Audette, Laurie (Jeffery) Elliot, James (Margo) Caley, David Caley, Steven Caley, and their families. The impact of David had on his family is immeasurable.
David graduated with a BBA degree from the University of Massachusetts art Amherst in 1955. He then enlisted in the Navy, and spent most of his 2-years of service at the Great Lakes Naval Base located north of Chicago. He thereafter spent 52 years as a bank officer specializing in commercial lending and loan recovery, initially with Hartford National Bank & Trust Co. in Hartford, Ct., later with Plainville Bank & Trust Co. in Plainville, Ct., and finally 18 years with Washington Trust in Westerly, RI, retiring in 2009. During this time, he was a resident of the Town of West Hartford, and thereafter purchased a summer home at Old Lyme Shores in Old Lyme Shores in Old Lyme, Ct., which in 1989 became his permanent residence until the present time. During his entire adult life, David devoted himself to performing public service. It was as follows:
11 years, from 1980 to 1991, serving as a member of the Board of Conn. Police Academy located in Haddam, Ct.; 20 years service with the American Heart Association Ct. Affiliate, with 2 years as State Chairman from 1991 to 1993; Treasure of the Wheeler Clinic of Plainville, Ct. from 1977 to 1983; 45 year member of the Rotary Club in 5 clubs, ending as a member of the Niantic, Ct. Club. During this time, he served as President of two of the Clubs, and during his membership, he received the Paul Harris Award, which is the highest award given by the Rotary Club to its members. He was first elected to the Board of Finance of Old Lyme in November, 1995, and served continuously until 2019. During that time, he was designated as a Board of Finance specialist to the Old Lyme Volunteer Fire Dept. David was a lifelong dedicated member of the Democratic Party. He served as President for many years of the Old Lyme Shores Beach Association. He became a member of the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee in 1994, was elected chairman in 2002, then served in that capacity continuously until 2018. He remained an extremely active member of the committee until the present time. During that time, he oversaw a substantial increase in the Democratic party registration in the Town of Old Lyme, and the successful election of important town offices from the Democratic Party during this period. He ran numerous fundraisers for the Party, including the beloved "Lobster Fest".
David's primary interest in life involved dedication of time and activities with his family and friends, and his many hours spent performing public service. He greatly enjoyed his political activities as a highly respected and loved member and chairman of the local Democratic Political Party. Also, from the time he purchased a Ford Model-A with the proceeds from his teenage paper route, he had a lifelong interest and love for automobiles, particularly Fords.
Throughout his lifetime, David was known for his kindness, dignity, understanding, ability to spend time and listen to others, and his great leadership skills and ability. David was always the consummate gentleman, a good friend, and respected mentor to many. He always had time for people, and had a kind word for everyone. He was always the first to graciously offer to help and to volunteer. He will be greatly missed.
Because of coronavirus epidemic, there will be no services or calling hours. Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook is in charge of arrangements.